How it works.
Somatic psychotherapy is an experiential approach to healing that integrates thinking, feeling and sensing to create a fuller sense of aliveness within you. As far back as 1957, researchers discovered that when clients brought attention to their body’s experience during the psychotherapy process, they recovered faster from their distress. In my 20 years of practice clients have reported increased confidence, empathy and better boundaries in their lives. This creates a “secure attachment” style with oneself, which extends to better relationships with others. I often hear from former clients years later who report long-term effects of the changes they felt during sessions that remain in their daily lives today.
A session might look like a typical “talk” psychotherapy session, with gentle attention to your body; other times we might use small movements to explore unconscious or unknown aspects of yourself. I will teach you how to “check in” somatically; listening to what is happening in your body as you speak or move. Other times, you might discover how stillness can provide a peaceful way to move forward in your life.
I work with each client’s comfort level and coping style to facilitate the best strategy for improving health by balancing thoughts, emotions and bodily-felt sensations.